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Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre
Image: Juan Pérez Bey · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Blessed Marcelo Spínola y Maestre

Bishop of Coria and Málaga, then archbishop of Seville, who founded a congregation for poor youth

Rank
Blessed
Kind
Bishop, Founder
Life
1835 – 1906
Era
20th century
Feast
19 January
Countries
Spain
Spain

Life story

Marcelo Spínola y Maestre was born on 14 January 1835 on the island of San Fernando, in the diocese of Cádiz, Spain. He was ordained a deacon on 20 February 1864 and a priest on 21 March 1864 in Seville.

On 16 December 1880 he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Seville and titular bishop of Milo, and he received episcopal ordination on 6 February 1881. He became bishop of Coria in 1884, bishop of Málaga in 1886, and archbishop of Seville on 2 December 1895.

In his beatification homily John Paul II recalled his dedication in carrying out his episcopal duties, his love for the poor and simple way of life, his concern for the formation of the humblest people, and his independence from party divisions in defence of the Church's freedom. His motto came from Philippians: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” He also founded the congregation of the Handmaids of the Divine Heart (Esclavas del Divino Corazón), which works in the apostolate and the education of young people.

On 11 December 1905 Pius X made him a cardinal. He died in Seville on 20 January 1906 (some sources say 19 January). His remains lie in the Dolores chapel of Seville Cathedral. John Paul II beatified him on 29 March 1987. His feast day is 19 January. He has not been canonised.

Works and witness

  • Ordained a priest in Seville on 21 March 1864
  • Served as bishop of Coria (1884), bishop of Málaga (1886) and archbishop of Seville (1895)
  • Founded the Handmaids of the Divine Heart for the education of young people
  • Created cardinal on 11 December 1905
  • Beatified on 29 March 1987

Saints from the same country

Saint Dominic, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Francis Xavier

References

  • Catholic-Hierarchy.org, “Bl. Marcelo Cardinal Spínola y Maestre”, catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bspinola.html
  • Vatican, Homily of John Paul II, rite of beatification of five Servants of God, 29 March 1987, vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/it/homilies/1987/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19870329_beatificazione.html

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.